MEDIA - AO2013-11

The Abita Springs Opry is a series of music concerts held six times a year and is produced by a nonprofit organization, Abita Opry Inc. The show has the mission of preserving and presenting Louisiana "Roots" music. Our music is played primarily acoustically, in its original form.

Our main thrust is old-time Country, Bluegrass, and traditional Southern Gospel music, but we often present other forms of traditional Louisiana music such as Cajun, Zydeco, Irish, or other types that reflect the many different groups of people who are part of our diverse culture.

The Last Chance Bluegrass Band
Our usual season close out house band, the Pot luck String Band won't be available for this performance. Bringing this group of local guys in their place was a no-brainer for our music committee. They are accomplished musicians and have appeared as guests at previous shows, and some of their members have performed with other groups. They are strong on tradition and full of personality.

The Deslondes
The Deslondes are a five-piece band from New Orleans. In the time between the release of their self-titled debut and sophomore album, Hurry Home, The Deslondes have toured the world and drawn critical acclaim for their studied and inventive take on New Orleans country and R&B.

Hurry Home represents a sonic shift from the country-folk of their debut to a psychedelic, electrified soul sound, with a stronger emphasis on organ and electric guitar.

Aurora Nealand
and the Royal Roses
This is solid New Orleans traditional Jazz. All one has to do to find out more about the Royal Roses is to look in the entertainment sections of the local newspapers. She performed at our Busker Festival last spring and wowed the audience with her virtuoso on the sax. This band is a pleasure to hear, and we are proud that they are coming to our stage.

The Zion Harmonizers
My late wife, Pat always asked to have them close out every November, and she would give me grief for a year if we did not book them for the upcoming season. We lost Pat suddenly last January, and they will perform in her honor. It is understandable why she loved these men because, besides being one of the premier Gospel groups in existence, they are great human beings. They have been singing praises for over seventy five years, and originated the Gospel tent at the Jazz Fest.